TNAG-1077-FCO40-1327-Broadcasting-in-Hong-Kong-proposed-BBC-relay-station-1981 — Page 79

possibility.

The Voice of America were building a station in Botswana;

it was a good position from the BBC's point of view, and there was a

possibility that they might be able to share it. Mr Dennay said

there was a limit to what could be done from Lesotho, and it would

be a very expensive sitetto develop. Botswana would be better, but

marginally more expensive than the Seychelles. Mr Muggeridge

saddtthat the BBC would await a clearer picture on the Seychelles

from the FCO, if this was not encouraging they would pursue the idea

of sharing the Botswana-site with the VOA. Mr Ridley commented that

if the Seychelles Government were unhappy now, there was not much security for the future. Mr Bell recalled that the Seychelles

Government in previous discussions had wanted a lot of technical help

in return for permission to set up a relay. Mr MacInnes said that,

because of these uncertainties, the announcement to Parliament

would not refer specifically to Hong Kong or the Seychelles by name.

We would refer to possible relays covering FareEast and East Africa.

18. Mr Muggeridge asked for confirmation that the Government would

announce the plans in Parliament on 25 June. Mr Ridley said that

this would be by written answer to a Parliamentary Question.

Mr Gregson asked if the BBC would have an opportunity to see the

Parliamentary answer in draft. Mr Ridley assured him that this

would be done. Mr Muggeridge reiterated that the package would be

totally unacceptable to the BBC Board of Management, although he could

not yet speak for the Board of Governors. He would attempt to ensure

confidentiality, but the Minister should remember that the BBC was

composed of people who were trained to communicate. A lot of

livelihoods and jobs were at stake. Mr Gregson alleged there had

already been leaks from the FCO side; it had been difficult to hold

the position within the BBC this far. Mr Muggeridge repeated that

he wished to make it clear that he could not guarantee confidentiality.

The Minister was going to talk to the Parliamentary Media Committee,

9 CONFIDENTIAL

/and there